Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, the 65-year-old Archbishop of Kinshasa and a soaring figure within the African Catholic Church, has emerged as a prominent name alongside 12 twelve others from Italy, Bologna Philippines, Canada, United States, Tokyo, Spain, Luxembourg, and Hungry in discussions surrounding the potential successor to Pope Francis.
Leading a massive local church boasting over seven million Catholics, Cardinal Ambongo commands respect as a powerful moral voice within the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Catholic Church worldwide.
His candidacy signifies the growing influence of the African church on the global stage and could resonate with a diverse group of cardinals in a future conclave.
According to Rome Cable network news (RCNN), Cardinal Ambongo as a member of the Capuchin Franciscan religious order, inspired by the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, has demonstrated unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights, fearlessly confronting warlords and corruption within his nation.
Rome CNN also noted that he has also taken a firm stance against the blessings of same-sex couples, a position that highlights the complex and varied perspectives within the global Catholic community.
Additionally the late Pope Francis had significantly reshaped the composition of the College of Cardinals during his pontificate, breaking tradition by bestowing the red hat on bishops from previously underrepresented regions such as Tonga, Haiti, and Papua New Guinea.
“These outsider cardinals, less entrenched in the Roman system, introduce an element of unpredictability to future papal elections,” RCNN revealed.
However, despite the expanded pool of electors, the qualities required to lead the Roman Catholic Church remain demanding.
Electors are expected to face the crucial task of discerning the paramount priorities for the church and identifying a candidate who embodies the necessary skills, experience, and personal fortitude.
The direction of the church, whether to continue the reforms initiated by Pope Francis or to chart a new course, will undoubtedly be a central point of deliberation.
The next pontiff will be tasked with providing credible moral leadership on a global scale, navigating the diverse challenges and opportunities facing the worldwide Catholic community.
Some observers believe that the future of the church lies in Asia, fueling speculation that the next pope could hail from Southeast Asia.
Age is also a significant factor in papal elections, with the last two conclaves favoring older candidates, potentially signaling a preference for shorter pontificates.
While numerous cardinals are considered potential papal candidates, often referred to as “papabile,” the vast majority were appointed by Pope Francis, with a few remaining from the era of Benedict XVI.
Cardinal Ambongo’s leadership within a vibrant and growing African church positions him as a compelling figure in the unfolding conversation about the future leadership of the Catholic Church.
This follows the death of Pope Francis, who passed away due to a stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure, as reported by the Vatican on the morning of Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. He will be buried on Saturday, April 26, 2025
